Allardyce’s January signings the key to survival for Sunderland

Sunderland secured their Premier League status on Wednesday night by defeating Everton 3-0. Patrick van Aanholt opened the scoring for the Black Cats, before centre-back Lamine Kone scored a brace. The win means that Newcastle and Norwich will be playing Championship next season.

The Black Cats have been or around the relegation battle at this time for the last four years, but it will be interesting to see what boss Sam Allardyce does in his first summer transfer window.

Allardyce has proven himself to be a shrewd operator in the transfer market down the years and his work in the January market proven he has not lost his touch. The signings of Lamine Kone, Jan Kirchhoff and Wahbi Khazri proved key to the Black Cats survival in the top-flight.

Kone has been outstanding since joining the north east club and added steel to a shaky Black Cats defence and he has also chipped in with a few crucial goals since he is arrival, none more important than his brace against Everton.

Kirchhoff endured a nightmare debut against Spurs at centre-back, but since being moved to a defensive midfield role he has looked far more impressive and provided a shield in from of the defence.

Attacking midfielder Khazri has proven to be another masterstroke from Allardyce. He works hard, has a touch of fire and seems to be a skilful player.

Sunderland have made campaign’s interesting for their fans by leaving it very late to secure their future. However, after a full summer of Sam Allardyce’s transfer dealings next season could be a lot calmer for Black Cats, who have been put through the mill by their team in recent campaigns.